13-Inch MacBook Air Models Now Have 8GB RAM Standard

[MacRumors]

In addition to releasing the next-generation 12-inch MacBook with faster specs and a Rose Gold color option, Apple has announced that its two 13-inch MacBook Air configurations now ship with 8GB of RAM as a standard option starting today.

13-inch MacBook Air models previously had 4GB of RAM for stock configurations, with 8GB of RAM available as an upgrade option for built-to-order models. 11-inch MacBook Air models continue to have 4GB of RAM for base configurations.

Apple did not make any other changes to the MacBook Air lineup, which is awkwardly positioned between the ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook and the MacBook Pro. In fact, there is some speculation that the MacBook Air might eventually be discontinued, but for now it lives on with older Broadwell processors and no Retina display.

Article Link: 13-Inch MacBook Air Models Now Have 8GB RAM Standard

 

[Razeus]

Still has little life in it left? Still can't believe they were only putting 4GB in these things. I know Apple is always behind the technology curve when it comes to laptops, but come on. It's about time.

 

[nviz22]

They should've put a Retina display on the Air.

 

[dukeOfPrunes]

This suggest that the Air will not be discontinued, although "ultra thin" MacBooks are due at WWDC.

I think the 13-inch Air will assume the role of the non-retina MacBook Pro and not be updated further, but kept as a great value entry level alternative.

11-inch Air and non-retina MBP will probably be discontinued.

 

[Jimmy James]

Finally. It's 2012 already.

 

[nviz22]

Still has little life in it left? Still can't believe they were only putting 4GB in these things. I know Apple is always behind the technology curve when it comes to laptops, but come on. It's about time.

My MBP doesn't have a touch screen or finger print scanner, but it doesn't feel behind to me. I have a Surface as well, but a FP scanner isn't necessary, it's just a bell/whistle.

 

[Brad9893]

4GB of RAM felt outdated to me in 2011. Shame on Apple for still selling premium, high-end computers with 4GB of RAM until 2016. Good grief...

 

[r6mile]

I think the 13-inch Air will assume the role of the non-retina MacBook Pro and not be updated further, but kept as a great value entry level alternative.

11-inch Air and non-retina MBP will probably be discontinued.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[dumbclub]

Shouldn't the 8GB be either standard or an option?
I don't see how it can be a "standard option"?

 

[Mr. Dee]

Not the darling anymore. This might the last year it gets upgrade. Its a future of while supplies last. Apple will probably carry this model for the next 3 years as the budge configuration. The MacBook Retina is too limited for today, it will of course be the future, I need to connect more stuff to my computer and an adapter defeats the purpose.

 

[duaneu]

My MBP doesn't have a touch screen or finger print scanner, but it doesn't feel behind to me. I have a Surface as well, but a FP scanner isn't necessary, it's just a bell/whistle.

I would love Touch ID on a Mac.

 

[keysofanxiety]

If anybody's interested, I just confirmed with an Apple advisor that there's no BTO to 16GB - just 8GB standard. Not that I expected otherwise, but the info's there if you neeed it.

 

[applesith]

They should've put a Retina display on the Air.

Not when it's more than likely to be phased out soon. The rMB is the "new Air". WWDC should see the refresh of the Pros to round out the lineup.

 

[Domen151]

Thats nice, if it doesn't have retina screen then it at least has enough of ram. Its weird to me that they haven't lowered the price on rMB, since it's supposed to be successor to the Air...

 

[navaira]

I more or less expect that the Air + retina display + smaller bezels will become the new Pro. "Revolutionary new form for our thinnest, fastest Air, I mean Pro yet"

 

[r6mile]

If anybody's interested, I just confirmed with an Apple advisor that there's no BTO to 16GB - just 8GB standard. Not that I expected otherwise, but the info's there if you neeed it.

There's never been a 16GB option on the Air so this is not surprising.

 

[GeneralChang]

4GB of RAM felt outdated to me in 2011. Shame on Apple for still selling premium, high-end computers with 4GB of RAM until 2016. Good grief...

I'm not trying to be pedantic, but I've never considered the 13 inch MBA as a "high-end computer." A high-end ultrabook, I suppose, but saying it's a high-end computer lumps it in with MBPs and iMacs. Though I don't know how other ultrabooks compare as far as RAM specs go, I'm not really in their target demographic.

 

[gaximus]

I would love Touch ID on a Mac.

It'd be sweet if they added it into the magic mouse and track pad, since thats where my fingers are usually at when using my computer. Probably security limitations, but I wouldn't have to upgrade my computers to get i.

 

[Breaking Good]

This suggest that the Air will not be discontinued, although "ultra thin" MacBooks are due at WWDC.

I think the 13-inch Air will assume the role of the non-retina MacBook Pro and not be updated further, but kept as a great value entry level alternative.

11-inch Air and non-retina MBP will probably be discontinued.

I was thinking they would keep the 11-inch MBA as the "value" alternative. But what you are saying above makes more sense.

 

[Sandstorm]

My MBP doesn't have a touch screen or finger print scanner, but it doesn't feel behind to me. I have a Surface as well, but a FP scanner isn't necessary, it's just a bell/whistle.

As soon as Apple will add Touch ID to Macs (long overdue, imo), it will suddenly not anymore be a gimmick (bell/whistle), right?

 

[pat500000]

I want apple to suffer financially so that they to compete in computer

 

[Brad9893]

I'm not trying to be pedantic, but I've never considered the 13 inch MBA as a "high-end computer." A high-end ultrabook, I suppose, but saying it's a high-end computer lumps it in with MBPs and iMacs. Though I don't know how other ultrabooks compare as far as RAM specs go, I'm not really in their target demographic.

I guess it's not a high-end computer, but it costs over $1000 so it's definitely premium, isn't it? I don'h think any premium computer should be gimped with 4GB of RAM in 2016...even in 2012 that would have been bad IMO. Especially since the solder the stuff on.

I'm not an Ultrabook customer either, so I guess that skews my opinion too. I'm sitting here lamenting the fact that my MBP only has 16 GB after all...

 

[nviz22]

As soon as Apple will add Touch ID to Macs (long overdue, imo), it will suddenly not anymore be a gimmick (bell/whistle), right?

Still will be. It makes things easier, but let's not forget that typing in a password isn't hard work.
[doublepost=1461075507][/doublepost]

Not when it's more than likely to be phased out soon. The rMB is the "new Air". WWDC should see the refresh of the Pros to round out the lineup.

Refreshed Pro won't do much for me since my Pro is a 2015 edition and doubt Apple adds a touchscreen or something extravagant to upgrade to.

 

[WhackyNinja]

...Um yay?

 

[nviz22]

I would love Touch ID on a Mac.

Tons of people would. But if people say that Apple is behind because a Surface has one means their standards are too lofty. Not saying you in particular, but a lot of people think an added convenience is a make or break.